Name: Lchashen wagon
Type: An oak wagon
Origin: Lchashen village, Armenia
Date: Circa 1500 B.C.
When we think of covered wagons, we often picture the Old West. Yet, one of the best-preserved ancient covered wagons was found in Armenia. It sat in a Bronze Age grave for about 3,500 years.
Excavations in the Lchashen village revealed six oak wagons dated to the Late Bronze Age (15th to 14th centuries B.C.). These wagons had a unique design: two were open, but four featured complex wooden frames on top. One of them stands out as a prime example of early covered wagons.
You can see the Lchashen wagon at the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan. Made of at least 70 parts, the wagon showcases intricate craftsmanship. Archaeologist Stuart Piggott noted that its frame required around 600 mortise holes, demonstrating advanced woodworking skills for its time.
The wagon measures about 6.5 feet long and features wooden wheels that are an impressive 63 inches tall. Historian Christoph Baumer described the wheels being made of two wood slabs joined together, showcasing the innovation involved in its construction.
This discovery occurred in the 1950s when Soviet construction workers drained part of Lake Sevan for irrigation. They unearthed a cemetery with over 500 burials, including various wagons and bronze chariot models. L.A. Petrosyan pointed out that these two- and four-wheeled wagons represented the emerging complexity in transportation during that era.
Many call the Lchashen wagon the “oldest in the world,” but that’s debated. Evidence suggests that wheel technology existed earlier in Mesopotamia, around 4500 to 3300 B.C. Still, the Lchashen wagon is an early and well-preserved example, highlighting significant advancements in vehicle design.
Covering over 3,500 years, the story of the Lchashen wagon reflects its time. The use of wheeled vehicles in burials became prominent during the Middle to Late Bronze Age. They were believed to help transport the deceased into the afterlife, blending both practical and symbolic meanings.
This ancient wagon is not just a relic but a peek into how our ancestors innovated to meet their needs. It shows where early technology and craftsmanship intersected, laying the groundwork for future developments in transportation. Modern discoveries like this wagon remind us of how far we’ve come and how our history shapes today’s world.
For those curious about more archaeological finds, check out the History Museum of Armenia. It’s a treasure trove of human history just waiting to be explored!
